One of the great advantages of visiting Brisbane (Brissy to locals), Australia, is its proximity to Australia’s most beloved coastal destinations. Heading south from Brisbane, travelers can easily explore the stunning beaches and vibrant communities of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.

The drive follows a scenic stretch of coastline dotted with surf towns, waterfront cafés, nature reserves, and endless ocean views. The Gold Coast offers a lively atmosphere with world-famous beaches, high-rise resorts, shopping, and nightlife, while Byron Bay delivers a more relaxed vibe known for its laid-back culture, boutique shops, wellness scene, and iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of mainland Australia.

A Colorful Escape to Surfers Paradise 

One of the things I love most about traveling in Australia is how easy it is to move between destinations without ever getting behind the wheel. During our stay in Brisbane, we decided to venture south to the Gold Coast, taking a combination of bus and train transportation to Surfers Paradise. The journey was simple, affordable, and surprisingly efficient, making it a great option for travelers who prefer public transportation.

Located about an hour south of Brisbane by car (2-3 hrs by train/bus), Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s most recognizable beach destinations. Towering high-rise hotels, beachfront condominiums, and apartment buildings line the coast, creating a vibrant skyline that overlooks miles of golden sand (we liken it to Destin, Florida). The area buzzes with activity, from outdoor cafés and restaurants to lively bars and beachgoers soaking up the Queensland sunshine.

After stepping off the train at Surfers Paradise North station, we made a short walk of only a few minutes to our accommodations at QT Gold Coast. We’ve stayed at QT properties before, and one thing that always stands out is the brand’s playful personality and bold design aesthetic. 

From the moment we walked into the hotel, we were greeted by colorful artwork, quirky sculptures, and creative design elements around every corner. Even the guest room doors throughout the hallways were painted in soft pastel colors, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. 

Our room continued the colorful theme, featuring bright colorful robes (which I’ve never seen before in a hotel!), eye-catching artwork, and a private balcony with views toward the beach. One of the best things about QT Gold Coast is its location. The beach is only a block away, making it easy to spend your days by the ocean and return to the comfort of the hotel whenever you’d like.

The property also offers a bustling outdoor pool on the ground floor, a generous breakfast buffet each morning, and customer service that made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our stay.

We rented Lime e-bikes and set off along the coastline (there’s a great paved path, creating a boardwalk) toward Burleigh Beach. The ride offered stunning ocean views, sea breezes, and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.

When we reached Burleigh Beach, we settled in to watch surfers carve through the waves while enjoying the laid-back coastal atmosphere. We ordered a drink at Rick Shores, one of the area’s most popular beachfront venues. While the drinks certainly came with premium pricing, the outdoor setting and spectacular ocean views made it a wonderful place to relax and take in the beauty of Australia’s Gold Coast.

Between the colorful charm of QT Gold Coast, the vibrant energy of Surfers Paradise, and the scenic bike ride to Burleigh, our short visit delivered exactly what every beach getaway should—sunshine, ocean views, and a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences are the simplest ones.

Byron Bay: A Walkable Coastal Escape Full of Surf, Great Food and Relaxed Charm

By the time we reached Byron Bay, it felt like the perfect finale to our Australian adventure. We’d heard countless people describe this little coastal town, about two hours south of Brisbane in New South Wales, as their favorite family holiday destination. 

We visited during Australia’s winter in June. While friends back home were enduring triple-digit temperatures, we spent our days enjoying sunshine and comfortable weather in the 60s and 70s. Every walk felt like a reminder to soak up every last bit of this beautiful climate before returning to the Texas heat.

We rented a car at the Brisbane Airport, but Byron Bay is also accessible by train and bus. Once we arrived, we discovered that a car wasn’t really necessary anymore.

One of my favorite things about Byron Bay is how incredibly walkable it is. We stayed at Arcadia House, a charming one-story cottage home owned by friends we met during our travels. The property offers six individually designed guest rooms, each with its own personality. Our rooms featured antique furnishings, ensuite bathrooms and comfortable beds.

Since we arrived late at night, I especially appreciated how effortless the self check-in process was. Our host was quick to answer every question by text, and even provided restaurant recommendations. 

We walked almost everywhere—to neighborhood coffee shops, the town center, restaurants and the beach. If you’re arriving by public transportation, you’ll have no trouble exploring Byron Bay entirely on foot.

Byron Bay has long been known for its outstanding surf breaks that attract everyone from beginners to experienced surfers. Beyond the beaches, you’ll also find lush rainforest, including areas famous for their fascinating glowworms, adding another layer to the region’s outdoor appeal.

The downtown area is exactly what you’d hope for in a beach town—boutique shops, inviting cafés and plenty of restaurants that encourage you to slow down and linger. On our final evening, I decided we should create our own progressive dinner along the main street.

We began with appetizers and fresh margaritas at Miss Margarita then wandered across the street to the Byron Beach Hotel, where live music floated through the air while we relaxed over a glass of wine. Then, we continued our stroll a couple of blocks farther and settled into a wonderful Italian restaurant, Puglia. 

On our last day, we drove to Wategos Beach, which was beautiful. We stumbled upon a walking path (Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area) that wound up a mountain, which found us at a lookout point touting the most eastern point of Australia. The path continued to wind up to the famous lighthouse. And, to make that experience even better, we were able to watch several whales out in the water as they made their annual migration north. 

As our Australian journey came to an end, Byron Bay provided exactly what we didn’t realize we needed—a chance to slow down, breathe in the ocean air and appreciate a destination where nature, hospitality and small-town charm all come together effortlessly.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo Marika Flatt.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.